UML condemns saying Oli's arrested political vendetta

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, March 28: Leaders of the CPN (UML) have strongly condemned the arrest of party chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, describing the government’s move as a “political vendetta.”

Speaking to the media at the party’s central office on Saturday, Vice Chairman Gokarna Bista criticized the government’s action and demanded Oli’s immediate release. 

“This is political revenge. I strongly condemn it and call for the immediate release of our party chairman,” he said, while also urging party cadres to remain disciplined and stand for justice.

Similarly, UML leader and former minister Pradeep Gyawali accused the government of acting with bias and warned of strong resistance. 

He said that the party would oppose the move both legally and politically, and hinted at launching a nationwide campaign aginst what he described as attempts to isolate the UML.

“This is an act of revenge. We will challenge it through both legal and political means,” Gyawali said, adding that the party has already made its position clear.

Another UML leader, Bishal Bhattarai, alleged that the government had taken a retaliatory step by implementing the report of the Karki-led investigation commission. 

He claimed the report itself was controversial, accusing it of selectively blaming the incidents of one day (September 8)while ignoring larger destruction that occurred later (September 9). He also questioned the neutrality of commission chief Gauri Bahadur Karki.

Bhattarai warned that acting on such a report would not ensure long-term peace and stability in the country.

Meanwhile, UML leader and former Home Minister Khagaraj Adhikari also termed the arrest “illegal and retaliatory.”

 He demanded Oli’s unconditional and immediate release, stating that the move goes against the constitution, law, and principles of justice.

“This action will fuel conflict in the country. UML is ready to resist both legally and through street protests,” Adhikari said.

Oli was arrested from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, on Saturday morning in connection with a serious criminal charge.